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How long can they remain in custody for?

When someone is arrested they can normally only be held for no more than twenty four hours. This would mean that the two people arrested in Burnham-on-Sea could be released over night.

A police Superintendent can authorise the detention of someone suspected of a serious offence for a further 12 hours.

Police can also got to a Magistrates Court and ask permission to hold a person for a further 36 hours.

Churchill Close in Burnham-on-Sea is the centre of a murder inquiry today (July 11)

If a further application is made to the court, the period someone can be detained can only reach a maximum of 96 hours.

What happens now?

Police say they are treating their investigation into the man's death as a murder enquiry because of the nature of his injuries. They said today a post-mortem examination will be carried out by a Home Office pathologist.

Formal identification procedures had not yet taken place on Tuesday afternoon.

Churchill Close in Burnham-on-Sea is the centre of a murder inquiry today (July 11)

What did the police have to say this morning?

Early this morning Detective Chief Inspector James Riccio said: “This investigation is at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to determine how the man died.

“We’re treating the death as murder due to the injuries the man received.

“His next of kin have been informed and specially trained officers are offering support to his family.

“Two people have been arrested and are currently in custody for questioning.

“Specialist crime scene investigators are now examining the scene while there is also an increased police presence in the area for reassurance.

“We’re aware this will have an impact on the wider community and I’d like to reassure people we believe this to be an isolate incident.

“Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to contact their local neighbourhood team.”

Image of the scene at 12pm today

What has happened in Churchill Close today?

Specialist crime scene investigators were sent to the scene. They spent time examining the scene.

There was an increased police presence in the area for reassurance.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary also put out a number of messages on their Twitter feed.

What are people saying locally?

A person who was at the crime scene in Burnham-on-Sea has spoken to Somerset Live.

They spent some time in the area taking in what had happened. They asked to remain anonymous.

Image of the scene at 12pm today

"The scene was heavily taped off front and back and it looked like they were searching the back garden as well as the house - and access to two neighbouring houses and a block of flats opposite were sealed off too. It’s a residential part of town, and you can’t drive past it, so it was very quiet."